Florida A&M cleared to resume football activities following investigation into rap video

After pausing all football activities on Friday following a release of an unauthorized rap video shot inside the locker room, Florida A&M has been cleared to return to all football-related activity. FAMU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes announced the news on Twitter on Monday.

“The FAMU Football team has been cleared to return to all football-related activity, effective Tuesday, July 25, 2023. An investigation into the unauthorized video that was partially filmed in the football locker room is being led by the University’s Office of Compliance and Ethics. Since this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment can be shared at this time. In my role, I have been transparent with stakeholders and this time will be no different. I will make myself available for comment at the conclusion of the investigation,” Sykes wrote.

The video filmed in the locker room was “Send a Blitz” by rapper Real Boston Richey. The video was released on Friday, and FAMU head coach Willie Simmons announced the suspension of all football-related activity just hours later.

“Earlier today, it was brought to my attention that a rap video was shot by a prominent rapper in the football locker room of Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse without proper authorization,” Simmons said in a statement. 

“The video contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles, and beliefs, and an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell, but also licensed apparel that potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements.”

Florida A&M went 9-2 last season and 7-1 in conference play. The program finished the season on a strong note, comfortably defeating Bethune-Cookman University 41-20 in the Florida Classic.

“Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and support all forms of musical expressions, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the University’s image,” Simmons said. “As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach I am effectively suspending all football related activities until further notice.

“It is a privilege to wear the Orange and Green and as a football program, our young men have failed to live up to the standard set before us. They will all learn from this mishap and we will continue to work hard every day to become the best version of ourselves and continue to make Rattler Nation proud,” Simmons wrote.

The Rattlers will appear at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day tomorrow and are scheduled to begin practice on Aug. 4.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.